Pep Guardiola quits Barcelona

Guardiola announced his decision today at a press conference alongside Barca president Sandro Rosell and sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.

The 41-year-old, who has won 13 trophies in four years, admitted he has been pondering his future for some time.

He said: "I would like you to understand that this is not an easy decision for me. But I would like to explain my reasons for this decision.

"I have always wanted short-term contracts. Four years is an eternity as Barca coach. In the month of October I announced to the president and to the sporting director that I thought my spell was coming to an end.

"The main reason why I have taken this decision is because four years is many years.

"I have given everything and I have nothing left and need to recharge my batteries.

"The demands have been great and I have not been able to rest much. I have to recover and the only way I can do that is by distancing myself. Otherwise, we would have ended up damaging each other.

"I know that I'm leaving the best place to work in. I am very satisfied with the result we have achieved. I have had the great privilege of coaching fantastic players. I want to thank them.".

Guardiola had a successful five years with Barcelona

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has announced Guardiola's assistant Tito Vilanova will become first-team coach for next season.

Rosell said: "Pep always takes the best decision for this club. It was his decision and it's a personal one and an understandable one.

"We hope to follow the inheritance that Pep leaves us with the best we can. He has made us proud.

"Now we can confirm that Tito Vilanova will be our new coach. This was a decision taken by Andoni Zubizarreta and it has been ratified today by our executive committee.

"Tito and Andoni will now work on next season's planning and I am sure they will do a good job."

Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta added: "We've always said that if the team needs players, we look at home first (Barca B). Who do we have here at home? Tito."

Guardiola won two Champions League with Barcelona

The move to name a replacement so swiftly was a surprise with speculation in Spain linking the likes of Ernesto Valverde, Laurent Blanc, Marcelo Bielsa and Arsene Wenger with the position.

Guardiola stepped up from Barca B manager to first-team boss in 2008 and has gone on to become the most successful coach in the club's illustrious history.

He has led the azulgrana to two Champions League crowns, three La Liga trophies, one Copa del Rey, three Supercopas, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups.

But the setback against Chelsea came just 72 hours after Barca's hopes of retaining their Primera Division crown were dashed following a 2-1 defeat at home to arch rivals Real Madrid.

That loss left them seven points behind Jose Mourinho's men with four games remaining and also ended their domestic dominance.

As for Guardiola, he is expected to take a sabbatical from the game despite being linked with numerous jobs across Europe.

He has been suggested as a contender for the Chelsea job, but is thought to want a break.